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Author
Topic: WHY PERMANENT BANS WOULD SUCK (Read 7080 times)

Even if a controversial member has 1 tiny grain of helpful wisdom to share, a permanent ban ensures that that 1 grain of wisdom will never be shared with anyone, ever.

That's pretty much it.

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The rest of this post is me in Dr. Phil mode. Read it, skip it, whatever.

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In the "time out" thread, a poster said nine times out of ten a controversial member needs to have someone to listen to them and understand what they are saying.

I understand what matty was saying. He is saying he is physically sick and he does not want FAKE support in the form of private messages from people who don't even know *their own* identity

Fake support is the worst kind in the world - it can contribute to making a sick person even sicker! Most of the time, when a sycophant gives his/her "support", it's fake. Even if it's not fake, it's *always* temporary.

THERE WAS A REASON WHY MATTY LASHED OUT AT THE SYCOPHANTS *FIRST*. He does not appreciate them, and rightfully so. He sees right through them.

I further accused the sycophants of deep down *NOT* wanting Matty to recover from illness and triumph over negativity. If that happened, the sycophants would no longer have an icon they can relate to. I, on the other hand, would DANCE, yes DANCE to Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A major if Matty steps into the *LIGHT* and his HEALTH follows suit!!!!!!!

I've been trying to tell Matty for the longest time that love and sweetness are GOOD FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH, and when a person merges with vibes of love and tenderness, they can see their health improve and amaze themselves. Normally it's not an overnight thing. Many people place so much daily energy on love because consistency is like this: Seeds that turninto good fruit. If anyone wants to call me a sugar slopper, go ahead. It's true. But I request you rephrase it to "healthy sugar slopper" instead (Anything except the Dali Lama LOL)

And another poster wisely shared this: "Hurting people hurt other people" - Many people in pain simply don't know what other actions to take (subliminal message: forgiveness = freedom)

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In conclusion, I reiterate the raison d'être of this post:

Even if a controversial member has 1 tiny grain of wisdom, a permanent ban ("perma-ban"? LOL ) ensures that that 1 grain of wisdom will never be shared with anyone, ever.

End of post! Digest it, don't digest it. Respond to it, don't respond to it. I said what I had to say.

But, if the price to pay for that one tiny grain of wisdom is that a thousand other grains of wisdom get blown away in the storm, nah, I say it's not worth it.

I'm all for banning.

In the particular case at hand, I sincerley hope that John and Trish (sorry, I'm not going to beat around the bush here) will sit back and realise that their participation here is no longer useful, not for them, and not for anyone here. It can't be doing them any good, and turns every discussion into a venomous war of words. Only one person here knows my reason for being so intolerant to John, in particular. And, that is the way it will stay. Just stay away, for everyones good. Go and enjoy life, direct all your positive energy to your local community and forget about here. You will be better off and we will be better off.

I say again, if the price to pay for that one tiny grain of wisdom is that a thousand other grains of wisdom get blown away in the storm, nah, I say it's not worth it.

I also do not like the"permanent" banning of any member of these forums. However, as was mentioned in the other thread, sometimes these actions need to be taken. If a person doesn't want to be banned, then play by the rules. If the rules are unclear, then it is time to modify the rules and "make them clear".

I also believe many people, that play by the rules, have something to offer, but these same people will not offer anything, if they feel uncomfortable being here. Everyone should feel relatively at ease here. When that feeling of being at "ease" disappears, good people will go away, and the only one's left, will be those that are breaking the rules.

We all have to live by the rules, that's how life works for adults living in the real world. There are consequences of not living by the rules. There is a multi step process of warnings and time outs here at the Forums. Folks will have plenty of time and opportunity to live by the rules as stated.

A permanent ban would suck on many levels but without abiding by rules and agreeing to play by these rules we have chaos (as we've seen/read). I think that the rules as laid out are fair and succinct. Live by them, follow them, or don't. If you don' or can't, being asked to leave (or being banished) is the logical and appropriate outcome.

We all have to live by the rules, that's how life works for adults living in the real world. There are consequences of not living by the rules. There is a multi step process of warnings and time outs here at the Forums. Folks will have plenty of time and opportunity to live by the rules as stated.

I agree.

If someone is unable to rein in their emotions, if they stoop to the level of arguing on the internet (Oy!) or lashing out at people on a personal level, then why shouldn't they be made to take responsibility for altering their behaviour? Would you allow someone to act that way in your home? I doubt it.

Although this is the Internet and not the real world, it is the only world many folks have for communicating with others living with HIV. I really don’t believe civility between members is too much to ask.

I'm with Lil Steve, Ray, et al on this one. The price paid for that one grain of selfless advice, is not worth it. Excluding the Am I Infected forum, I can only remember two bannings. One was DynamicDavid. This guy hated the world, but particularly women and blacks. You would come in and he would launch into one of his I hate blacks and I hate women tirades. Finally he got the boot and good riddance. Sure he offered some advice from time to time, but half the stuff we discuss in this forum ain't rocket science (let's face it). Anyone can provide guidance and we have a wide enough audience that someone is going to know something about a subject. We didn't need his one grain to keep things running around here. But worse, I invited several folks that I knew were HIV positive from another site (non-hiv but focused primarily african americans). They gave me a chewing cause they would come and check out the site, only to stumble on DD's posts (an easy find, cause they almost always generated the most hits/responses).

So that one grain he gave from time to time was worth the loss of potential HIV positive people in need? I don't think so.

P.S. - It seems like some people come to the forums drunk or high (or both) and that's usually when they tend to jump all over other members. That sort of behaviour wouldn't be tolerated in a support group and I don't think it should be tolerated here.

Just because this place is on the internet in a virtual space does not make it any less public or at arms length from society. Without the rule of law there would be chaos and anarchy. I am all for fairness, but when I see other people being personally lambasted by contributors, I shake my head. While banning may not be seen the most just for the individual, at some point you have to amputate to save a body. I am certain that those affected were consulted numerous times prior to this drastic a measure and they must have made a choice to proceed as they did. Who am I to argue with that choice?

But, if the price to pay for that one tiny grain of wisdom is that a thousand other grains of wisdom get blown away in the storm, nah, I say it's not worth it.

I'm all for banning.

In the particular case at hand, I sincerley hope that John and Trish (sorry, I'm not going to beat around the bush here) will sit back and realise that their participation here is no longer useful, not for them, and not for anyone here. It can't be doing them any good, and turns every discussion into a venomous war of words. Only one person here knows my reason for being so intolerant to John, in particular. And, that is the way it will stay. Just stay away, for everyones good. Go and enjoy life, direct all your positive energy to your local community and forget about here. You will be better off and we will be better off.

I say again, if the price to pay for that one tiny grain of wisdom is that a thousand other grains of wisdom get blown away in the storm, nah, I say it's not worth it.

Steve

Steve -- consider this a warning. If you flame bait again, like this one does to John & Trish, you will be given a Time Out.

P.S. - It seems like some people come to the forums drunk or high (or both) and that's usually when they tend to jump all over other members. That sort of behaviour wouldn't be tolerated in a support group and I don't think it should be tolerated here.

I absolutely agree with this statement !! And I thought I was the only one that could pick this out in a post, I guess it is more obvious then I thought.

As a former drinker, and an alchoholic,/a former pot and hashish smoker, and crystal meth user, it is not difficult for me to see, when someone is "legally drunk and posting" or cranking away.

Its even easier to see when someone has done up a line of crank... They burn those letters right off the keyboard, they can't go fast enough...

You know, why does somebody think that they should get to choose their support system (individuals) when 1) it's on the public internet and 2) it's free; they're not paying for customized support.

When I first joined this site back in March, I had many 'welcome aboard' type of replies to my initial post. Were these replies sincere? I think so. If not, big deal. If I'm going to stand up and speak, I'm going to have to expect to hear people's comments. The problem arises when I only want certain people's support. I can get it, but not by publically posting here.

The fact that any of us can come here, at any time, and seek help and support is something not to be taken for granted. We need to realize that this is something for our benefit, something good. If one grain keeps several others from benefitting, what's the cost of that grain?

Cliff's got it right about coming on here high or drunk. Sober up and don't show your ass to the world. Mostly, it's just as simple as being mature and courteous.

I absolutely agree with this statement !! And I thought I was the only one that could pick this out in a post, I guess it is more obvious then I thought.

Obvious it is Ray,

I also agree with David that most of the problems could be avoided if people just behave more courteously toward one another. One major concern I have is that someone newly diagnosed might show up here and miss out on potential support if bickering and immaturity are the first thing they see. That was in fact my own experience, until I took the time to search for more rational things to read.

I am absolutely against any kind of ban! We are all carrying the same bug and we all need support, love and understanding. Being a very honest and direct person, I'd rather have someone tell me what's on their mind straightforward so I can change my ways of dealing with them. Period. I will not change myself, though! Besides, I have learned a long time ago that the written word is so much more prone to misconception than the spoken word that I always think twice when reading --- and answering --- a post. I also have a very dry sense of humour myself and do understand other people who behave the same way! In these forums, for example, I joke as little as I possibly and humanely can, for I do realize that there is a gargantuan gap between the two ponds in this sense.In addition, it seems to me that Americans in general are so much more oversensitive and quarrelsome than Europeans and/or Latin Americans regarding just about any subject. There also seems to be a cultural thing about getting the upper hand and/or having the last word over someone... Something like a childish behaviour.Take for example, our meeting in Amsterdam. There were for sure disagreements, misunderstandings and discussions about little things that some people wanted to call our attention to. In the end, everything worked out just fine. Did you guys notice any kind of flame war, heated debate and name calling or insults going on? Furthermore, when I wrote one of the articles about our meeting, I received several PMs asking me to delete certain details and observations from my post! And that's exactly what I did without any hesitation and/or remorse, because I respect all of my friends immensely! But, what I really liked about these posts was that they were straight to the point, respectful and tactful!So, I have no idea what the solution would be for posters who keep fighting all the time. I would never ban them on a permanent basis, though! We also have acknowlegded the fact that the "ignore" buttom is not working... Would it really be too much to ask some members just to grow up?

We've had members in the past that had to be permanently banned and rightly so.........In my way of thinking we all make mistakes and we all say things that are how shall we say unpleasant or unkind but there are some people out there who thrive on anarchy. I for one believe the moderatorsprotect us from a great number of "threats" .....at the same time I have seen certain members get "special treatment" that others are not allowed. I think rules should be administered fairly across the boardirregardless of how long you've been a member or how popular you are. That's my opinion anyway!

Hey Alex, Is this your version of the 1% percent doctrine? I respect your opinion, but I must disagree.There must be a certain level of respect. I think we all know where that line is. It is clearly stated. If there are no consequences, all hell usually breaks out ( Not to bring politics into this, but look at IRAQ)If this was your websight, would you still have no bans? Just my opinion. Whatever that is worth.

OKAY so I'm moved by this whole Ted Haggard male escort fiasco, therefore I must come clean myself and ask for this to be LOCKED.

Subconsciously I wasn't objective i.e. I orchestrated the results. The first choice is extreme in tone, the second choice sounds more like the voice of reason.

To those that didn't vote, "good for you."

To everyone here I apologize.

I feel Ted Haggard likely got away with tons of little things over the course of his life, and those smug "highs" snowballed - Now he has to face the music. As his fiasco gets crazier, and politicians from coast to coast playing all sorts of games last week into today, I stop to reflect on my own ethos, my motives, heck - my LIFE. Simply stated, I don't like what I did. Please lock the thread. Over and out.